Arrange the following “Bi…” words in dictionary order: 1) Billian (assume as printed) 2) Bifurcate 3) Bilateral 4) Bilirubin Choose the correct alphabetical sequence.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: 2, 3, 4, 1

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Alphabetical ordering among similar-looking “Bi…” words requires careful comparison beyond the initial shared letters. We proceed lexicographically, character by character.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Words: Bifurcate, Bilateral, Bilirubin, Billian (left as printed).
  • All begin with “Bi”.


Concept / Approach:
Compare the third letter onward. If two words share longer prefixes, continue comparing the next letters until a difference appears.



Step-by-Step Solution:
“Bifurcate” (bif…) vs “Bilateral” (bil…): “f” (102) < “l” (108) ⇒ Bifurcate comes first.For the “bil…” set: compare “Bilateral” (bila…) vs “Bilirubin” (bili…): “a” (97) < “i” (105) ⇒ Bilateral precedes Bilirubin.“Billian” (bill…) must follow Bilirubin (bili…) because “l” (108) > “i” (105) at the fifth position.Final order: Bifurcate → Bilateral → Bilirubin → Billian → indices 2, 3, 4, 1.



Verification / Alternative check:
List the four words stacked and compare vertical columns to see where each diverges.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • 2, 1, 3, 4 or 2, 3, 1, 4: place “Billian” too early.
  • 4, 3, 2, 1: inverts much of the order.
  • None of these: Not needed since a correct order exists.


Common Pitfalls:
Assuming all “bil…” words stay grouped without evaluating the fourth and fifth letters, where the decision is made.



Final Answer:
2, 3, 4, 1

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